Milk yield and reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cows with different genotypes in Ethiopia: a review paper

Kefale Getahun

doi:10.31893/multirev.2022003

Keywords:

reproductive performance

Abstract

Crossbreeding for improving milk yield and reproductive performances had started and implemented been long in Ethiopia in different locations. The present study focused on reviewing and generating compiled information about the status (potential) of milk yield and reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cows, which have been done at different stations and farm conditions in different eras. Review results of milk production and reproductive performances in Ethiopia varied greatly from one genotype to another. The on-station lactation milk yield and lactation length were ranged from 1293 to 2957 kg and 303 to 374 days, respectively, whereas the on-farm review results were within the values of on-station conditions. The on-station reproductive performances had also obtained in the range from 25.5 to 30.3 for age at first service (AFS), 28.5 to 46.9 for age at first calving (AFC), 351 to 546 for calving interval (CI), 76 to 243 for days open (DO) and 1.3 to 2.7 for the number of service per conception (NSC), respectively. The on-farm review results for reproductive performances had also within the range of on-station conditions. Among the genotypes, the 50% F₁ and 75% Holstein Friesian first generations were considered suitable for milk production parameters, whereas Jersey crosses, especially 50% F₁ are recommended for better reproductive performances. The on-station development of 50% F₂, F_3, and 75% second generations showed low milk production and reproductive performances and the likelihood of producing synthetic breed in this step did not give us a promising result. Regardless of blood level and genotype difference, the performance of on-farm crossbred cows was almost similar to on-station experimental cows. Crossbred cows were affected by non-genetic factors like year, season, and parity, depending on the breed and study location. In general, crossbred cows have good milk yield and reproductive performances compared to indigenous (local) breeds. However, crossbred animals could not exploit their maximum potentials because animals are subjected to different environmental effects.
References
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2. Addisu H (2013) Cross breeding effect on milk productivity of Ethiopian indigenous cattle: Challenges and opportunities. Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science 3:515-520.
3. Alemshet B (2014) Evaluation of the Reproductive Performance of Crossbred (HF X Zebu) Dairy Cows and Artificial Insemination Service Efficiency in and around Adigrat, North Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
4. Arbel R, Bigun Y, Ezra E, Sturman H and Hojean D (2001) The effect of extended calving intervals in high lactating cows on milk production and profitability. Journal of Dairy Science 84:600-608.
5. Aregawi H (2013) Evaluation of the Reproductive and Artificial Insemination Service Efficiency of Dairy Cattle in Eastern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
6. Belay D, Yisehak K, Janssens GPJ (2012) Productive and Reproductive Performance of Zebu X Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows in Jimma Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Global Veterinarian 8:67-72.
7. Belay Z (2014) Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Growth and Reproductive Traits of Fogera x Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cattle at Metekel Ranch, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
8. Berhanu B, Ashim Kumar C (2014) Genetic analyses of early-expressed reproduction traits of Borena and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey in Central Highlands of Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 46:113-119.
9. Berhanu Y, Fikre L, Gebeyehu G (2011) Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein–Friesian cows in central Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43:359-365.
10. Bevearly L (2015) Age at First Calving and Profitability. Canadian dairy network. www.the bullvine.com/news/age-at-first-calving-and-profitability.
11. Cunningham EP, Syrstand O (1987) Crossbreeding Bos indicus and Bos taurus for milk production in tropics. FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation) Animal Production and Health paper No. 68, Rome, Italy.
12. Demeke S, Neser FWC, Schoeman SJ (2004a) Estimates of genetic parameters for Borena, Friesian and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Borena cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: milk production traits and cow weight. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121:163-175.
13. Demeke S, Neser FWC, Schoeman, SJ (2004b) Estimates of genetic parameters for Borena, Friesian and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Borena cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: reproduction traits. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121:57-65.
14. Deriba H (2012) Survival, Reproductive and Productive Performance of Pure Jersey Cattle at Adea Berga Dairy Research Center in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, University of natural resource and life science Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
15. Djoko TD, DA Mbah, JN Mbanya, P Kamga, NR Awah, M Bopelet (2003) Crossbreeding Cattle for Milk Production in the Tropics: Effects of Genetic and Environmental Factors on the Performance of Improved Genotypes on the Cameroon Western High Plateau. Revue Élev. Méd. vét. Pays trop. 56:63-72.
16. Emebet M, Zeleke MZ (2007) Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Eastern Lowlands of Ethiopia. Livestock research for rural development 19:11.
17. Evelyn CG (2001) Reproductive performance of crossbred cattle developed for milk production in the semi-arid tropics and the effect of feed supplementation. A Doctoral Thesis submitted to University of Zimbabwe.
18. Fadlelmoula AA, Abu Nekheila AM, Yousif IA (2007) Lactation Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in the Sudan. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences 3:389-393.
19. Gebeyehu G, Asmare A, Asseged B (2005) Reproductive performances of Fogera cattle and their Friesian crosses in Andassa ranch, northwest Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 17:12.
20. Gebregziabher G, Skorn K, Mauricio A, Thanathip S (2013) Variance components and genetic parameters for milk production and lactation pattern in an Ethiopian multi-bred dairy cattle population. Asian Australas journal of Animal Science 26:1237-1246.
21. Gebregziabher G, Skorn K, Mauricio A, Thanathip S (2014) Genotype by Environment interaction effect on lactation pattern and milk production traits in an Ethiopian Dairy cattle population. Kasetsart Journal of Natural Science 48:38-51.
22. Getahun K, Hunde D, Tadesse M, Tadesse Y (2019) Reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cattle at Holetta Agricultural Research Center. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 31:138.
23. Haile A, BK Joshi, Workneh A, Azage T, A Singh (2009a) Genetic evaluation of Ethiopian Borena cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: milk production traits. Animal 3:486-493.
24. Haile A, BK Joshi, Workneh A, Azage T, A Singh (2009b) Genetic evaluation of Ethiopian Borena cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: Reproductive traits. Journal of Agricultural Science 147:81-89.
25. Hammoud, MH, SZ, El-Zarkouny and EZ M Oudah (2010) Effect of sire, age at first Calving, season and year of calving and parity on reproductive performance of Friesian cows under semiarid conditions in Egypt. Archiva Zootechnica 13:60-82.
26. Keeling B, Rajamahendran R and Ravindran V (1992) Detection of postpartum ovarian activity in cows using on farm ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Serological Assay). Veterinary record 131:291.
27. Getahun K, Hundie D, Tadesse M, Tadesse Y (2020) Productive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cattle. Ethiop. J. Agric. Sci. 30:55-65.
28. Kefena E, Hegde BP, Tesfaye K (2006b) Lifetime Production and Reproduction Performances of Bos taurus x Bos indicus Crossbred Cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. Ethiopian journal of animal production 6:1-16.
29. Kefena E, Tesfaye K, Yohannis G (2006a) Review of the performance of crossbred dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Pp191-199. In: Tamrat Degefa and Fekede Feyissa (Eds), Proceedings of the 14th annual conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production, 5–7 September 2006. ESAP (Ethiopian Society of Animal Production), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
30. Kefena E, Zewdie W, Tadelle D, Aynalem H (2011) Genetic and Environmental trends in the long-term Dairy cattle genetic improvement programmes in the Central Tropical Highlands of Ethiopia. Journal of Cell and Animal Biology 5:96-104.
31. Kefyalew A, Damitie K (2015) The Effect of Crossbreeding on Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows and Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources in the North Western Amhara, Ethiopia. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports 8:1-7.
32. Kollalpitiya KMPMB, Premaratne S, Peiris BL (2012) Reproductive and Productive Performance of Up-Country Exotic Dairy Cattle Breeds of Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research 23:319–326.
33. Kumar N, Alemayehu E, Abreha T, Hailelulealem Y (2014) Productive performance of indigenous and Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows in Gondar, Ethiopia. Veterinary World 7:177-181.
34. Mebrahtom B, Hailemichael N (2016) Comparative Evaluation on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous and Crossbred Dairy Cow Managed under 87 Smallholder Farmers in Endamehoni District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 6:96-100.
35. Megersa A (2016) Reproductive and Productive Performances of Crossbred and Indigenous Dairy Cattle under Rural, peri-urban and Urban Dairy Farming Systems in West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
36. Melku M (2016) Milk production and reproductive performance of local and crossbreed dairy cows in selected districts of West Gojam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
37. Melku M, Kefyalew A, Solomon G (2017) Milk Production Performances of Local and Crossbred Dairy Cows in West Gojam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Journal of Applied Animal Science 10:35-46.
38. Mengistu WD, Wondimagegn KA, Demisash MH (2016) Reproductive performance evaluation of Holstein Friesian and their crosses with Borena cattle breeds in Ardaita Agricultural Technical Vocational Education Training College dairy farm, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Iranian journal of applied animal science 6:805-814.
39. Million T, Tadelle D (2003a) Milk production performance of Zebu, Friesian and their crosses in Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 15:3.
40. Million T, Tadelle D (2003b) Estimation of crossbreeding parameters for milk production traits of crosses between Holstein Friesian and local Arsi breed in the highland of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 3:25-35.
41. Million T, Tadelle D, Gifawesen T, Tamirate D, Yohanis G (2006) Study on Age at First Calving, Calving Interval and Breeding Efficiency of Bos taurus, Bos indicus and their Crosses in the Highlands of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 6:1-16.
42. Mohamed-Khair, AA, Ahmed B, Teirab Lutfi MA, Musa K, Peters J (2007) Milk production and reproduction traits of different grades of zebu x Friesian crossbreds under semi-arid conditions. Arch. Tierz. Dummerstorf 50:240-249.
43. Msangi BSJ, Bryant MJ, Thorne PJ (2005) Some factors affecting variation in milk yield in crossbred dairy cows on smallholder farms in North-east Tanzania. Tropical Animal Health and Production 37:403-412.
44. Mukasa-Mugerewa E (1989) A review of Reproductive Performance of Female Bos indicus (Zebu) Cattle. ILCA Monograph Number 6, ILCA (International Livestock Center for Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
45. Negussie Enyew, E Brannang, Keno Banjaw, OJ Rottmann (1998) Reproductive performance of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. I: Indigenous cows versus their F1 crosses. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 115: 267-280.
46. Negussie Enyew, E Brannang, OJ Rottmann (1999) Reproductive performance and herd life of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. Crossbreds with 50, 75 and 87.5% European inheritance. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 116:225-234.
47. Österman S, Bertilsson J (2003) Extended calving interval in combination with milking two or three times per day: effects on milk production and milk composition. Livestock Production Science 82:139-149.
48. Eshetu S (2015) Productive and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows (Horro, Horro x Friesian and Horro x Jersey) at Bako Agricultural Research Center. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.
49. Solomon Abraha, Kelay Belihu, Merga Bekana, Fikre Lobago (2009) Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in Northeastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Trop Animal Health and Production 41:1597-1604.
50. VanRaden PM (2003) Longevity and fertility trait definitions compared in theory and simulation. Inter Bull 30: 43-46.
51. Wassie T, Getnet M, Zeleke M (2015) Reproductive Performance for Holstein Friesian × Arsi and Holstein Friesian × Borena Crossbred Cattle. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 5:35-40.
52. Yohannes G, Million T, Kefena E, Direba H (2016) Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows Suitable for Smallholder Production Systems at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science 27:121-131.
53. Yosef T (2006) Genetic and Non-Genetic analysis of fertility and production traits in Holetta and Ada’a Berga Dairy herds. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia.
54. Zewudu W, BM Thombre, DV Bainwad (2013) Effect of non-genetic factors on milk production of Holstein Friesian × Deoni crossbred cows. International Journal of Livestock Production 4:106-112.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Getahun, K. (2022). Milk yield and reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cows with different genotypes in Ethiopia: a review paper. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 5(1), 2022003. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2022003

[1] Ababu D (2002) Evaluation of Performance of Borena Cows in the Production of Crossbred Dairy Heifers at Abernosa Ranch, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia.

[2] Addisu H (2013) Cross breeding effect on milk productivity of Ethiopian indigenous cattle: Challenges and opportunities. Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science 3:515-520.

[3] Alemshet B (2014) Evaluation of the Reproductive Performance of Crossbred (HF X Zebu) Dairy Cows and Artificial Insemination Service Efficiency in and around Adigrat, North Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

[4] Arbel R, Bigun Y, Ezra E, Sturman H and Hojean D (2001) The effect of extended calving intervals in high lactating cows on milk production and profitability. Journal of Dairy Science 84:600-608.

[5] Aregawi H (2013) Evaluation of the Reproductive and Artificial Insemination Service Efficiency of Dairy Cattle in Eastern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

[6] Belay D, Yisehak K, Janssens GPJ (2012) Productive and Reproductive Performance of Zebu X Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows in Jimma Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Global Veterinarian 8:67-72.

[7] Belay Z (2014) Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Growth and Reproductive Traits of Fogera x Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cattle at Metekel Ranch, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

[8] Berhanu B, Ashim Kumar C (2014) Genetic analyses of early-expressed reproduction traits of Borena and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey in Central Highlands of Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 46:113-119.

[9] Berhanu Y, Fikre L, Gebeyehu G (2011) Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein–Friesian cows in central Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43:359-365.

[10] Bevearly L (2015) Age at First Calving and Profitability. Canadian dairy network. www.the bullvine.com/news/age-at-first-calving-and-profitability.

[11] Cunningham EP, Syrstand O (1987) Crossbreeding Bos indicus and Bos taurus for milk production in tropics. FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation) Animal Production and Health paper No. 68, Rome, Italy.

[12] Demeke S, Neser FWC, Schoeman SJ (2004a) Estimates of genetic parameters for Borena, Friesian and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Borena cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: milk production traits and cow weight. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121:163-175.

[13] Demeke S, Neser FWC, Schoeman, SJ (2004b) Estimates of genetic parameters for Borena, Friesian and crosses of Friesian and Jersey with the Borena cattle in the tropical highlands of Ethiopia: reproduction traits. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121:57-65.

[14] Deriba H (2012) Survival, Reproductive and Productive Performance of Pure Jersey Cattle at Adea Berga Dairy Research Center in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, University of natural resource and life science Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

[15] Djoko TD, DA Mbah, JN Mbanya, P Kamga, NR Awah, M Bopelet (2003) Crossbreeding Cattle for Milk Production in the Tropics: Effects of Genetic and Environmental Factors on the Performance of Improved Genotypes on the Cameroon Western High Plateau. Revue Élev. Méd. vét. Pays trop. 56:63-72.

[16] Emebet M, Zeleke MZ (2007) Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Eastern Lowlands of Ethiopia. Livestock research for rural development 19:11.

[17] Evelyn CG (2001) Reproductive performance of crossbred cattle developed for milk production in the semi-arid tropics and the effect of feed supplementation. A Doctoral Thesis submitted to University of Zimbabwe.

[18] Fadlelmoula AA, Abu Nekheila AM, Yousif IA (2007) Lactation Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in the Sudan. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences 3:389-393.

[19] Gebeyehu G, Asmare A, Asseged B (2005) Reproductive performances of Fogera cattle and their Friesian crosses in Andassa ranch, northwest Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 17:12.

[20] Gebregziabher G, Skorn K, Mauricio A, Thanathip S (2013) Variance components and genetic parameters for milk production and lactation pattern in an Ethiopian multi-bred dairy cattle population. Asian Australas journal of Animal Science 26:1237-1246.

[21] Gebregziabher G, Skorn K, Mauricio A, Thanathip S (2014) Genotype by Environment interaction effect on lactation pattern and milk production traits in an Ethiopian Dairy cattle population. Kasetsart Journal of Natural Science 48:38-51.

[22] Getahun K, Hunde D, Tadesse M, Tadesse Y (2019) Reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cattle at Holetta Agricultural Research Center. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 31:138.

[23] Haile A, BK Joshi, Workneh A, Azage T, A Singh (2009a) Genetic evaluation of Ethiopian Borena cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: milk production traits. Animal 3:486-493.

[24] Haile A, BK Joshi, Workneh A, Azage T, A Singh (2009b) Genetic evaluation of Ethiopian Borena cattle and their crosses with Holstein Friesian in central Ethiopia: Reproductive traits. Journal of Agricultural Science 147:81-89.

[25] Hammoud, MH, SZ, El-Zarkouny and EZ M Oudah (2010) Effect of sire, age at first Calving, season and year of calving and parity on reproductive performance of Friesian cows under semiarid conditions in Egypt. Archiva Zootechnica 13:60-82.

[26] Keeling B, Rajamahendran R and Ravindran V (1992) Detection of postpartum ovarian activity in cows using on farm ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Serological Assay). Veterinary record 131:291.

[27] Getahun K, Hundie D, Tadesse M, Tadesse Y (2020) Productive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cattle. Ethiop. J. Agric. Sci. 30:55-65.

[28] Kefena E, Hegde BP, Tesfaye K (2006b) Lifetime Production and Reproduction Performances of Bos taurus x Bos indicus Crossbred Cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. Ethiopian journal of animal production 6:1-16.

[29] Kefena E, Tesfaye K, Yohannis G (2006a) Review of the performance of crossbred dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Pp191-199. In: Tamrat Degefa and Fekede Feyissa (Eds), Proceedings of the 14th annual conference of the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production, 5–7 September 2006. ESAP (Ethiopian Society of Animal Production), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

[30] Kefena E, Zewdie W, Tadelle D, Aynalem H (2011) Genetic and Environmental trends in the long-term Dairy cattle genetic improvement programmes in the Central Tropical Highlands of Ethiopia. Journal of Cell and Animal Biology 5:96-104.

[31] Kefyalew A, Damitie K (2015) The Effect of Crossbreeding on Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows and Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources in the North Western Amhara, Ethiopia. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports 8:1-7.

[32] Kollalpitiya KMPMB, Premaratne S, Peiris BL (2012) Reproductive and Productive Performance of Up-Country Exotic Dairy Cattle Breeds of Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research 23:319–326.

[33] Kumar N, Alemayehu E, Abreha T, Hailelulealem Y (2014) Productive performance of indigenous and Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows in Gondar, Ethiopia. Veterinary World 7:177-181.

[34] Mebrahtom B, Hailemichael N (2016) Comparative Evaluation on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous and Crossbred Dairy Cow Managed under 87 Smallholder Farmers in Endamehoni District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 6:96-100.

[35] Megersa A (2016) Reproductive and Productive Performances of Crossbred and Indigenous Dairy Cattle under Rural, peri-urban and Urban Dairy Farming Systems in West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

[36] Melku M (2016) Milk production and reproductive performance of local and crossbreed dairy cows in selected districts of West Gojam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

[37] Melku M, Kefyalew A, Solomon G (2017) Milk Production Performances of Local and Crossbred Dairy Cows in West Gojam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Journal of Applied Animal Science 10:35-46.

[38] Mengistu WD, Wondimagegn KA, Demisash MH (2016) Reproductive performance evaluation of Holstein Friesian and their crosses with Borena cattle breeds in Ardaita Agricultural Technical Vocational Education Training College dairy farm, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Iranian journal of applied animal science 6:805-814.

[39] Million T, Tadelle D (2003a) Milk production performance of Zebu, Friesian and their crosses in Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 15:3.

[40] Million T, Tadelle D (2003b) Estimation of crossbreeding parameters for milk production traits of crosses between Holstein Friesian and local Arsi breed in the highland of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 3:25-35.

[41] Million T, Tadelle D, Gifawesen T, Tamirate D, Yohanis G (2006) Study on Age at First Calving, Calving Interval and Breeding Efficiency of Bos taurus, Bos indicus and their Crosses in the Highlands of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Animal Production 6:1-16.

[42] Mohamed-Khair, AA, Ahmed B, Teirab Lutfi MA, Musa K, Peters J (2007) Milk production and reproduction traits of different grades of zebu x Friesian crossbreds under semi-arid conditions. Arch. Tierz. Dummerstorf 50:240-249.

[43] Msangi BSJ, Bryant MJ, Thorne PJ (2005) Some factors affecting variation in milk yield in crossbred dairy cows on smallholder farms in North-east Tanzania. Tropical Animal Health and Production 37:403-412.

[44] Mukasa-Mugerewa E (1989) A review of Reproductive Performance of Female Bos indicus (Zebu) Cattle. ILCA Monograph Number 6, ILCA (International Livestock Center for Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

[45] Negussie Enyew, E Brannang, Keno Banjaw, OJ Rottmann (1998) Reproductive performance of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. I: Indigenous cows versus their F1 crosses. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 115: 267-280.

[46] Negussie Enyew, E Brannang, OJ Rottmann (1999) Reproductive performance and herd life of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. Crossbreds with 50, 75 and 87.5% European inheritance. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 116:225-234.

[47] Österman S, Bertilsson J (2003) Extended calving interval in combination with milking two or three times per day: effects on milk production and milk composition. Livestock Production Science 82:139-149.

[48] Eshetu S (2015) Productive and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows (Horro, Horro x Friesian and Horro x Jersey) at Bako Agricultural Research Center. MSc Thesis, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia.

[49] Solomon Abraha, Kelay Belihu, Merga Bekana, Fikre Lobago (2009) Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in Northeastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Trop Animal Health and Production 41:1597-1604.

[50] VanRaden PM (2003) Longevity and fertility trait definitions compared in theory and simulation. Inter Bull 30: 43-46.

[51] Wassie T, Getnet M, Zeleke M (2015) Reproductive Performance for Holstein Friesian × Arsi and Holstein Friesian × Borena Crossbred Cattle. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 5:35-40.

[52] Yohannes G, Million T, Kefena E, Direba H (2016) Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows Suitable for Smallholder Production Systems at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science 27:121-131.

[53] Yosef T (2006) Genetic and Non-Genetic analysis of fertility and production traits in Holetta and Ada’a Berga Dairy herds. MSc Thesis, Alemaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia.

[54] Zewudu W, BM Thombre, DV Bainwad (2013) Effect of non-genetic factors on milk production of Holstein Friesian × Deoni crossbred cows. International Journal of Livestock Production 4:106-112.

Abstract

References

How to cite